Title: The War That Killed Achilles: The True Story Of Homer’s Iliad And The Trojan War
Author: Caroline Alexander
First published January 1, 2009
296 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780670021123 (ISBN10: 0670021121)
Rating: 3.94
Overview
“Experience the epic tale of the Trojan War like never before.” – Publishers Weekly
In The War That Killed Achilles, acclaimed author Caroline Alexander delves into the heart of one of the greatest stories of all time. With the meticulous research of a scholar and the captivating prose of a bestselling narrative historian, Alexander presents a fresh and compelling interpretation of Homer’s Iliad.
Through her powerful storytelling, she uncovers the true meaning of this timeless narrative and reveals the devastating impact of war on humanity. With its timely message and powerful insights, The War That Killed Achilles is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the enduring lessons of this ancient tale.
About the Author
Caroline Alexander is an accomplished writer who has contributed to several well-known publications, such as The New Yorker, Granta, Condé Nast Traveler, Smithsonian, Outside, and National Geographic. She currently serves as the curator for “Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Expedition,” a captivating exhibition that debuted at the American Museum of Natural History in March 1999.
When she’s not busy with work, Caroline enjoys living on a peaceful farm in New Hampshire.
Editoral Review
Caroline Alexander’s The War That Killed Achilles: The True Story Of Homer’s Iliad And The Trojan War is an engaging and informative work that brings to life the ancient myth of the Trojan War. Alexander, a renowned classicist, brings her extensive knowledge of Greek literature and history to bear in this book, which offers a fresh and insightful perspective on one of the most enduring stories of Western civilization.
The War That Killed Achilles is a hybrid work that combines elements of history, literary criticism, and cultural analysis. Alexander begins by examining the historical context of the Trojan War, tracing its origins to the Bronze Age collapse and the emergence of the Mycenaean civilization.
She then delves into the mythological tradition of the Greeks, exploring the stories of the gods, heroes, and monsters that populate the Iliad.
The book’s main focus, however, is on the Iliad itself, which Alexander reads as a complex and multifaceted work that transcends its mythological origins. She argues that the poem is a meditation on the human condition, exploring themes of mortality, honor, love, and revenge.
At the same time, she shows how the Iliad reflects the social and political realities of ancient Greece, revealing the tensions between aristocratic and democratic values, and between the individual and the community.
Alexander’s prose is elegant and lucid, making the book accessible to readers with little or no background in classical literature. She has a gift for bringing the characters and settings of the Iliad to life, vividly portraying the bloody battles, the noble speeches, and the intricate relationships between the heroes and gods.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to illuminate the historical and cultural significance of the Iliad. Alexander shows how the poem has inspired generations of writers, artists, and thinkers, from Virgil to Shakespeare to Simone Weil.
She also explores the ways in which the Iliad has been used and abused by politicians and ideologues, from Mussolini to the neoconservatives.
However, there are some weaknesses in the book as well. Alexander occasionally makes sweeping generalizations about the nature of Greek culture and society, which can oversimplify complex issues.
She also tends to rely heavily on secondary sources, rather than engaging directly with the primary texts.
Overall, The War That Killed Achilles is a highly recommended book for anyone interested in the classics, mythology, or ancient history. It is a thoughtful and thought-provoking work that offers a fresh perspective on one of the most enduring stories of Western civilization.
Alexander’s scholarship and insight make this book a valuable addition to the field of classical studies, and a compelling read for anyone interested in the human condition.
